This document discusses autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and meltdowns in students with ASD. It defines ASD and common characteristics like repetitive behaviors and difficulty socializing. Meltdowns occur when students' strict routines are disrupted, overwhelming their ability to process changes. The document differentiates meltdowns which are internal responses from acting out, which are external behaviors. Effective strategies for meltdowns include identifying feelings, distraction, and developing plans. Interventions may include academics, communication, routines, and social skills support.

1. Paul Bates
ISP, La Cueva High School
Albuquerque, NM

2. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
 Genetic pre-disposition
 Activated by environment
 1 in 110 students affected
 Cognitive and social deficits
 Communication disorder
 (Ryan, et al., 2011)

3. Common Characteristics
 Repetitive activities
 Poor eye contact
 Difficulty socializing with others
 Resistance to change in routines
 Unusual responses to sensory input
 (Ryan, et al., 2011)

4. What is a meltdown?
Students diagnosed with autism live by rules
 These students are slaves to routine
 Little things upset them - obsessive
 Two or three things become internalized
 Time to process

5. What is not a meltdown?
 Wanting to manipulate you
 Wanting you to “wait” on them
 Wanting what someone else has
 Physically acting out
 Task avoidance

6. How do you distinguish?
The meltdown is an internal process
where the student looks inward in
order to process what has gone wrong
or has upset him/her.
Acting out behaviors are outward
processes for the benefit of staff and
parents.
− Dr. Shawn M. Stewart, HSP, Educational Resource Services

7. The ABCs of Human Behavior
Antecedent
Behavior
Consequence
Functional Behavior Assessment

8. So your headed for a meltdown.
Now what do you do.
There’s no logic to it.
Can we talk about this?
Who wants ice cream?
Let’s get down to basics
Jed Baker, Ph.D., No More Meltdowns, 2008

9. Effective Strategies
Identifying feelings
Finding the way out
Plan of attack or plan of escape?
Passionate distraction

10. Interventions
Academic
Communication
Routines
Visual Cues
Social Skills

11. References
Baker, J., (2008). No More Meltdowns,
Future Horizons, Arlington, TX
Kauffmann, J. M., Landrum, T. J., (2009)
Characteristics of Emotional and
Behavioral Disorders of Children and
Youth, Ninth Edition, Pearson Education,
Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ
Stewart, S. M. (2009). Basics of Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Educational
Resource Systems, Midland, MI